New Jersey's Act 1669 Eliminates Teacher Testing Requirement for Basic Skills Effective January 1, 2025

Jan 5, 2025, 02:36 PM

New Jersey has eliminated the requirement for teachers to pass basic reading, writing, and mathematics tests for certification. This change, which went into effect on January 1, 2025, is part of a broader effort to address a teacher shortage in the state. The law, known as Act 1669, was passed by Democratic Governor Phil Murphy as part of the 2025 budget in June 2024. Under this new regulation, individuals seeking an instructional certificate will no longer need to pass the Praxis Core Test, which previously assessed these fundamental skills. The decision has sparked discussions regarding the implications for teaching quality and student learning outcomes.